Railways to convert Gorakhpur-Nautanwa route to broad gauge

In a bid to connect districts on Indo-Nepal border with the rest of the country and facilitate movement of passengers and tourists, the Railway Ministry has decided to re-lay tracks on the Gorakhpur-Nautanwa route.     

"It has been decided to replace the 81-km stretch of existing metre gauge track on Gorakhpur-Nautanwa route by broad gauge and the work will start soon," spokesman of North Eastern Railway Amit Singh told.     

The conversion work which will start from December 26 and is scheduled to be completed in April next year at an estimated cost of Rs 381.17 cr, Singh said.

"Once the conversion is complete, districts on the border will be connected directly with Delhi and other important stations."     

The official said conversion of the tracks would help passengers specially tourists to Nepal to save time spent on travelling.